Is Youngstown, OH Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 78/100
Score 78/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Youngstown has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
The remediation picture in Youngstown carries more financial gravity than the routine end of the spectrum — estimated safety upgrade costs land in the upper tier of the equity-share range, making phased repair scheduling, careful scope prioritization, and clear timing decisions all relevant steps before work begins.
What is a home safety score?
The home safety score (0-100) combines multiple environmental risk factors into a single number: water quality grade, lead contamination levels, flood zone exposure, radon risk, and air quality. A higher score means lower overall risk. The score helps homebuyers compare neighborhoods at a glance. Youngstown scores 78/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
What is the equity trap ratio?
The equity trap ratio measures estimated remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. A high ratio (above 5%) means fixing environmental issues could consume a significant portion of your home equity — a potential "trap" for buyers unaware of hidden costs. Youngstown's equity trap ratio is 3.1%, which is moderate.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Youngstown:
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by property. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Youngstown's 15 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44512 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 44515 | 70 | B | View report → |
| 44505 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 44514 | 75 | B | View report → |
| 44501 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44502 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44503 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44504 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44506 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44507 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44509 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44510 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44511 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44513 | 80 | B | View report → |
| 44555 | 80 | B | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Youngstown, Ohio has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 78/100 across 15 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Youngstown's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (78/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0022 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 53% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 2 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 74 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Youngstown:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Radon | $400 |
| Flood Insurance | $760 |
| Pfas | $480 |
| Total (low estimate) | $827 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $3K |
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages and local data. Actual costs vary by property condition, contractor, and scope of work. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Home safety varies across Youngstown's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 44512 | 70 | B |
| 44515 | 70 | B |
| 44505 | 75 | B |
| 44514 | 75 | B |
| 44501 | 80 | B |
| 44502 | 80 | B |
| 44503 | 80 | B |
| 44504 | 80 | B |
| 44506 | 80 | B |
| 44507 | 80 | B |
| 44509 | 80 | B |
| 44510 | 80 | B |
| 44511 | 80 | B |
| 44513 | 80 | B |
| 44555 | 80 | B |
Youngstown vs. Nearby Ohio Cities
How Youngstown's overall risk compares to similar cities in Ohio:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngstown | B | 0 | 277 | 134,258 |
| Batavia | B | 0 | 24 | 133,059 |
| Newtonsville | D | 0 | 0 | 133,059 |
| Owensville | D | 0 | 0 | 133,059 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Youngstown
Before purchasing a home in Youngstown, Ohio, complete these checks:
Water Quality
- Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from the water utility
- Test tap water for lead, bacteria, and nitrates ($20-$50 for DIY kit)
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Youngstown is in Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk) — testing is strongly recommended
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- 53% of Youngstown is in flood zones — verify insurance requirements
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 86% of Youngstown homes built before 1986 — pipe inspection recommended
General
- Check for carbon monoxide detectors on every level
- Inspect for visible mold, water stains, or musty odors
- Verify the home's connection to a regulated public water system
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA SDWIS
- Lead: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Flood: FEMA NFIP
- Radon: EPA Radon Zones
- Air quality: EPA AirNow
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25077
- Remediation costs: National cost model (EPA, Census, FEMA data)
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Youngstown, OH
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Check your specific ZIP code
City averages can hide neighborhood-level risks. Enter your ZIP for a personalized home safety score.
Check Your Home Safety Score